Recognition of Sand’s Bi-Partisan Approach and “Clear Focus on Solving the Problems Facing Iowans”

More than 100 registered Iowa Republicans have publicly endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand, forming a new coalition called “Rob-Publicans” as the race for Iowa governor enters the general election campaign.

The coalition, announced Monday by Sand’s campaign, includes former Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh, former Crawford County Sheriff Jim Steinkuehler, and Republicans from communities across Iowa who say they support Sand’s approach to governing rather than voting strictly along party lines.

Sand’s campaign said the coalition reflects his record as state auditor, where he has focused on investigating waste, fraud, and abuse while holding members of both political parties accountable.

“Members of the Rob-Publicans coalition support Rob because they know he will be a governor who works for all Iowans, not party insiders or special interests,” the campaign said in a news release.

Republican Leaders Voice Support

Matt Walsh, a Republican and former mayor of Council Bluffs, said effective leadership requires more than party loyalty.

“Successfully overseeing the business of Iowa involves much more than adhering to party politics,” Walsh said. “Rob Sand has demonstrated a clear focus on solving the problems facing Iowans. He has proven that he will be responsible with taxpayer dollars and has the management ability to prioritize the most important issues, ultimately making state government work better for everyone.”

Former Crawford County Sheriff Jim Steinkuehler cited the growing political divisions he has witnessed in recent years.

“I’ve seen too much fighting and anger over politics these last several years, and it’s hurt families, friendships, and communities,” Steinkuehler said. “Rob isn’t like that. He treats people with respect, listens to different viewpoints, and focuses on getting the job done.”

Campaign Strategy

Since entering the governor’s race, Sand has consistently campaigned as a candidate willing to work with Democrats, Republicans, and independents. He has frequently argued that Iowa benefits from divided government and has highlighted bipartisan cooperation as one of his central campaign themes.

Republicans, however, have challenged Sand’s portrayal of himself as politically independent. They have pointed to his support for Democratic candidates, campaign appearances with national Democrats, and previous comments critical of legislative Republicans.

Sand has defended those comments, saying accountability should apply equally to members of both political parties and pledging that, if elected governor, he would reduce the concentration of power within the Governor’s Office.

A New Political Label

Cross-party endorsements are not unusual in statewide campaigns, but organized coalitions of voters from the opposing party are far less common.

Whether the newly announced Rob-Publicans remain primarily a campaign organization or develop into a broader political movement will likely become one of the more closely watched aspects of Iowa’s 2026 governor’s race.

The race between Sand and Republican nominee Zach Lahn is widely considered one of the nation’s most competitive gubernatorial contests.

Our Take

Political endorsements often generate headlines, but this announcement may be noteworthy for a different reason: it introduces a recognizable political identity centered on bipartisan governance rather than party affiliation.

Whether the Rob-Publicans coalition grows or remains a campaign initiative, it reflects an idea that has become increasingly uncommon in modern politics; that some voters are willing to cross party lines based on leadership style, accountability, and governing philosophy.

For Iowa voters, the larger question may not simply be who joined the coalition, but why. As the campaign continues, those motivations may prove just as significant as the endorsements themselves.